Erbil fines private generator owners over environmental violations

ERBIL — The Erbil Environment Directorate has fined the owners of five private generators for failing to comply with environmental protection guidelines, according to Dilshad Hirani, head of the directorate.

Authorities imposed the fines for emitting excessive smoke, causing noise pollution, and harming the environment. Each fine ranged between one and two million Iraqi dinars ($666 to $1,332).

Environmental concerns related to generator emissions have been a recurring issue in major cities across the Kurdistan Region, particularly in Erbil. In December, the Erbil Environment Directorate filed lawsuits against five private generator owners, accusing them of flouting environmental regulations.

Erbil authorities have imposed fines ranging from one to three million Iraqi dinars ($666 to $1,998) on 65 generator owners in 2024 for using low-quality fuel and failing to adhere to designated operating schedules. Erbil currently operates 1,173 private generators, which have been identified as major contributors to environmental and noise pollution, especially during national power outages.

The Kurdistan Region continues to face challenges in providing a stable government electricity supply. Despite operating 15 power plants—including hydroelectric, gas, and diesel facilities—residents still depend on private generators, paying monthly fees per ampere. More than 7,000 private generators are in use across the region, adding to noise and environmental concerns in urban areas.

On Oct. 17, 2024, Prime Minister Barzani launched the “Ronaki” project, which began in Erbil’s Shadi and Nazanaz neighborhoods, aiming to deliver uninterrupted electricity to the entire Kurdistan Region by 2026. “By the end of 2026, every family and business in the Kurdistan Region will enjoy 24/7 electricity,” Barzani said at the launch event.